Review: 12th February, 2010. Curtains by John Kander and Fred Ebb, Book by Rupert Holmes. Presented by Spotlight Theatrical Company.
Opening night is upon us for the first time this year at Spotlight Theatrical Company’s Main Theatre with all the pomp and grandeur that one can expect at an Australian Premiere. That’s right! A rare thing it is for an amateur society to have first bite of the cherry but Spotlight have sealed the deal tonight. Directed by Tony Alcock, Curtains, with book by Rupert Holmes and music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the last musical ever to be written by this pair, is a … SMASH!
The writers and producers of Robbin’ Hood have had a rotten opening night in Boston. Their star, Jessica Cranshaw (Jessica Papst), has just collapsed on stage and they are desperate to find even a mediocre review. Enter Director Christopher Belling (Marc James) whose idea of putting lyricist Georgia Hendricks (Martina French) back in the spotlight has almost all in favour when the news reaches the theatre that Jessica Cranshaw has died. At an informal wake the cast are informed by Lieutenant Frank Cioffi (Matt Hadgraft) that Jessica was actually murdered and everyone in the theatre is a suspect. While sequestered in the theatre the reluctant cast agree to rehearse and save the show with both Belling and Cioffi at the helm and over the next three days Robbin’ Hood finds the mark. Adding to the tension is a couple of extra murders, a mysterious black book and everyone with a motive to kill. Who killed Jessica Cranshaw? Well … I can’t tell you. I have a verbal contract with the cast that in taking my programme home with me tonight I cannot reveal who killed who. You will just have to go and see the show.
And this show is worth the trip to the Spotlight box office. It's great for all the right reasons. First and foremost is the pairing of Matt Hadgraft as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi and Karen Oliver as Niki Harris. This couple brings to mind the good old days of the 1950’s cinema. Boy meets girl, falls in love with girl and she falls for him too. The cuteness factor is off the charts. Add to that the troubled relationship between Martina French and Stewart Reeve playing ex-writing partners Georgia Hendricks and Aaron Fox, the continual and comedic repartee between Marc James as Director Christopher Belling and the Lieutenant, and the tremendous dance pairing of Greta Brinsley and Clay English, playing Bambi Bernet and Bobby Pepper, who throw caution to the wind in some breathtaking and inspired choreography from Alana Kettle. Everyone in the cast is working cohesively and nearly everyone gets a cameo moment to add some laughs or gasps to an already very funny script. The song and dance numbers enhance the story and viewing pleasure and once again the Spotlight wardrobe department have outdone themselves.
Some opening night nerves were apparent with an occasional late line or song lyric, the male cast sometimes not projecting or stumbling in their line delivery, an accent was a little off here and there and I think the gentlemens' ensemble forgot their harmonies from time to time. Also, some scene changes back stage are a bit noisy but I think after one or two more runs all these little mistakes will no longer exist. The lowest point of the show, however, was not actually part of the show; with intermission being interrupted by a fire alarm forcing all patrons, cast and crew to evacuate the theatre for approximately 20 minutes. While it was an inconvenience for all, no real danger was present and I would like to thank the Spotlight Volunteers for handling everything smoothly and giving waiting patrons a few extra drinks. When Act 2 did start, the casts' professionalism shone through and it was like the incident never happened.
I was more than a little surprised to see that the music is not live as Spotlight’s Main Theatre has an ample pit but it was used for some character movement and I agree that there isn’t enough room for both orchestra and cast. It’s not a bad call to have recorded music; everything ran smoothly, but regular readers will know my personal preference for live music. It is also my understanding that Musical Director Marie Nicholson was ill during some of the rehearsal period and that probably limited some choices in regards to musicians.
I’m overwhelmed by the characterisation from each cast member, it has really enhanced each scene and I think is the main reason this is such a great show. Gael Ballantyne plays Producer Carmen Bernstein to professional standards and even Director Tony Alcock makes a cameo as her leering husband Sidney. Special mention to Jonathon Heeley, Hayden Alexander, Lilli Newman and Isabella Laird for some enjoyably effortless tap dancing and hats off to Colin Crow for lighting design and execution. Some really outstanding character acting from Marc James, he delivers some truly wicked and hilarious lines at the expense of everyone, especially the deceased. Very competent support from Jim Price, Kynan Francis and Nathan Skaines and some nice stunt work from Chris Bamberry playing critic Daryl Grady. A superb Act 1 highlight with Stewart Reeve singing I Miss The Music and the ladies of the ensemble have to be the most beautiful ever to grace a stage in the Act 2 dream sequence, A Tough Act To Follow. I could go on for hours about how great this show is. It was so close to receiving a standing ovation.
One of the absolute best, don’t miss it.
Length is approximately 3 hours with interval.
Season runs until 6th March, 2010.
Tickets are $23.
Programmes are $3.
Seating is reserved.
Parking is free in the underground carpark at Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre or on the street.
The bar is licensed.
Booking and theatre information at
http://www.spotlighttheatre.com.au
